However, how do you make use of hashtags on Instagram? How can you identify the most appropriate hashtags to use on the Instagram account? Which hashtags are trending right now? They should be used in your caption or the comments?
We're addressing these questions, and many more in our complete tutorial on Instagram hashtags on the Stack-writer.
How Do Instagram Hashtags Are Working?
Instagram hashtags are fundamentally a way to label and categorize your content. They also help Instagram present your posts to relevant users.
In their most simple function the hashtags you select are the basis for search results on the Explore page of Instagram:
It doesn't stop there. Hashtags are also used to serve as reference points to using the Instagram algorithm, which means it can categorize your posts and recommend the content to users that it believes is likely to be of interest.
What do you think... Are Hashtags still work On Instagram In 2022?
Hashtags have been at the source of controversy particularly in light of Instagram's recent advice to utilize three hashtags (more on that later).
As Instagram slowly shifts toward the semantic search engine, it will open up a new world of possibilities in content discoverability - indicating that the content in your captions, or the subjects that you include in your posts will be searchable, too.
In spite of these massive technological advancements, hashtags still work on Instagram. Paired with a strong strategy for content, they could produce incredible results.
Are you ready for the full download on Instagram hashtags? Watch our YouTube guide now:
The Top 50 Most Popular Instagram Hashtags in 2022
Utilizing hashtags that are extremely popular isn't the best way to gain more engagement on your stories or posts because they're less likely be noticed.
What number of Instagram hashtags Should You Include on your posts?
As we've mentioned, Instagram recently advised that creators should utilize between 3 to 5 hashtags on their posts, even though they allow up to 30 hashtags per post.
This goes against the information we've heard previously about how hashtags work on Instagram, but based on their recent focus on SEO and keywords the idea seems to (kind of) make sense.
Instagram is rolling out the addition of "suggested" content feeds, like Instagram Reels, for instance. Instagram Reels tab, for example. To provide the content suggested that's considered to be a "good one," Instagram needs to be able categorize the content accurately. it. The theory? Less hashtags = more accurate self categorization.
To test this theory, Later looked at 18M+ Instagram feed posts - Comparing the number of hashtags used in each post to average reach rates.
It is evident that more hashtags = better results. Reach rate increases by 11 percent (from 24% to 35%) as the number of hashtags increase from one to thirty.
To put it into perspective To put it in perspective, for a post with 20K followers there's an additional 2.2K accounts reached per post.
We even looked at whether this trend was changing in comparison to the year 2020, but the results were pretty consistent.
So how many hashtags can you be using on Instagram? At present you should use more hashtags as it's the best method for getting more people to engage in Instagram feed posts. However as Instagram expands its "suggested" streams of content focusing less on relevant hashtags may be a strategy worth trying.
#TalkDataToMe: Read the full data report now to discover the optimal number of hashtags for reach and engagement.
What Are the Different Types of Instagram Hashtags?
Before selecting hashtags to use in your posts it's best to consider the different types of hashtags you can include.
This will make sure that you've covered all bases in your hashtag strategy.
There are five kinds of hashtags to be considered:
* Location-based hashtags such as #BryantPark , or #LowerEastSide.
# Industry-specific hashtags to explain your industry, such as #SocialMediaManagers or #WeddingPlanners
* Community-focused hashtags to bring your community closer, such as #VanLifeLiving or #IAmASweatyBetty.
* Descriptive hashtags that define the contents of your post, such as #WoodwickCandles or #SheaButterProducts
There's no secret formula for how many of each hashtag you need to include But keeping the different categories in mind can give an excellent source of inspiration and aid in planning your approach.
What are the benefits of Using Hashtags for Instagram
Utilizing relevant, relevant hashtags on your posts as well as stories is one of the most effective ways to be noticed by new viewers on Instagram.
Making use of using the "right" hashtags can put you before your intended group, even if they haven't connected with you before.
This could lead to more involvement, more followers and more customers for your business or brand!
But it's not the only thing. Hashtags can also be used for a variety of applications beyond increasing your visibility. You can use them for building community, gathering user-generated content (UGC) as well as running campaigns, researching your audience, and so on.
This is why it's crucial to have a well-defined and well-crafted hashtag strategy -without one you might miss opportunities to boost your account and drive engagement.
For example, check out Later's Instagram post about our latest Linkin.bio modification:
We include hyper-relevant hashtags, such as #smallbiztools, #linkinbio and #linkinbiotool in the caption so users are able to easily find our content if they're on looking for a hyperlink to our bio tool.
Hashtags allow people to find your posts, increasing the chance of likings, comments, shares, and also saves!
How to Find Instagram Hashtags That Are Trending for Your Content Strategy
Later's data report reveals that adding 20-30 hashtags to your Instagram posts is the best method of increasing your reach and engagement rates.
But how do you find this many relevant hashtags for every post? Here are three different strategies that you can employ:
Tactic #1: Use a Hashtag Suggestion Tool like Later
The tool for generating hashtag suggestions from Later is an easy way to identify hashtags based on the content of your post , as well as related hashtags in your field.
To make use of the tool, enter a hashtag in the tool's search bar, hit "Suggest," and it'll instantly generate new hashtags, sorting them by relevance
Tactic #2: Conduct Research through the Instagram Explore Page
Its Instagram Explore section is an excellent source of inspiration in you to develop your Instagram hashtag strategy.
For the best results search for keywords that are relevant to your company's brand or content and check out results that are ranked "Top" Results.
These posts are clearly getting good results with the Instagram algorithm. Take note of the hashtags that are being used and if they would be appropriate for your content.
Tactic #3: Verify Instagram Hashtag Volume Using the Instagram Tag Search Tool
When it comes to finding the best hashtags, posting volume is a really important metric.
If a hashtag has already been used in thousands of other posts the chances are your post will be drowned out amongst the crowd.
On the other hand If a hashtag has a couple hundred posts, then it's likely nobody is searching to find it via Instagram's Instagram Explore tab. To get a good middle ground try to find hashtags with between 10K-200K posts.
To check a hashtag's post volume, visit Instagram's tag search feature on the Explore Page.
This is a fantastic opportunity to look over your hashtags. It could also be an excellent source of inspiration. For instance, you could discover a hashtag with a specific niche that starts with the same keyword, however, it has a higher number of posts.
Should You Use Hashtags with Instagram in the Comment or Caption Section?
Instagram has proved that hashtags work well in both the caption of your post as well as in the comments section so it's totally your choice as to where you'd like to put them.
It's important to consider the timeframe even so. When you manually post hashtags to the comments section, it's best to start doing this when your post has been published.
TIP: If you're using the Later Instagram calendaring tools, you can plan the First Comment to go live at the exact time as your post.
This is an excellent way to keep your caption's design tidy, and benefit from the increased exposure benefits of a good hashtag strategy.
Later's First Comment tool lets you set up a comment that goes live exactly at the same time that your post is published - available for any paid subscription.
What Can Hashtags Do to increase Likes on Instagram
If you have the correct Instagram hashtag strategy, you'll not only be able to reach more peoplehowever, you will reach the right people for your business or brand.
People who are likely to engage with your content.
Utilizing 20-30 relevant hashtags will aid in bringing your content in more search results on the app, increasing the probability of likes and comments.
Make Sweaty Betty, an empowering workout brand whose target market are women with a love for fitness.
The account makes use of the search-driven hashtag #GlobalRunningDay for likes and a branded hashtag that is #iamasweatybetty in order to create the feeling of community and a sense of being together:
It has over 2.5K likes (and an incredibly chatty comment section! ) These niche hashtags are perfect for growing an online community of runners who are like-minded aficionados and encouraging users to use their hearts!
Be careful and make sure you use hashtags that your intended people are actively searching for can increase your exposure and like count. It's an all-win situation.
How to Save Time with Your Instagram Hashtag Methodology
Finding 20-30 hashtags that are fresh for each post you publish is time-consuming, but there are ways to make it more efficient.
One method is to compile groups of around 20-30 hashtags which align with your core content themes that you can easily adjust and add to each post.
With the free Instagram tool for scheduling, you can create "Saved Captions" that contain your carefully curated lists of hashtags.
They can be added to a post caption (and alter them) by tapping two times!
How do you create an effective Instagram Hashtag Strategy With Analytics
The best method to create the hashtags strategy?
Building from a solid foundation. After you've identified the hashtags you want to use, you should begin testing them and then digging into your data.
Monitoring the effectiveness that your hashtags have is the ideal method of evaluating the results of your experiments, and will allow you to tweak your strategy over time.
Utilizing Later's Hashtag Analytics tools, you'll have the ability to get the most relevant information on your hashtags - including the list of hashtags that have the most influence on the number of likes and comments, as well as saves and views on your Instagram posts.
It instantly compares the hashtags you use with posts' performance over time - giving you a clear picture of what's working and what's not for your account.
Hashtags can be a great method to connect with new audiences and build your following, however it takes time and effort to see big effects.
No matter if you choose to use 10, 30, a consistent hashtag strategy remains one of the most efficient ways to increase your reach on Instagram.